Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs for the College of Communications Joseph Selden returned to his military roots Wednesday night with the iconic statement of Uncle Sam -- but instead of "I Want You," his plea was "We Need You."
Speaking to a group of black students, Selden, who served as a member of the Air Force for 28 years, was referring to the need for more faculty diversity on campus. Selden urged the students to continue their education into graduate degrees.
"When I look around on campus, there are so few faculty members of color," he said.
Selden spoke as part of a panel of Penn State professionals asked to represent different routes to success at a program titled "The Three Paths." Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority organized the event.
"The three paths are graduate school, taking time off and jumping straight into a career," said Shaquanna Shields (senior-communication arts and science), a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
The three panelists were Selden; Felicia Sanders, academic coordinator for the McNair scholar program; and Tony Keith, assistant director of student affairs at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.
More than 70 students attended the event, which included a panel discussion, a question-and-answer session with the panelists and a workshop where students broke into groups to determine an "ideal career" for a fictionalized character assigned to them.
Nicole Bracy (senior-public relations and theatre), a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, said the idea for the event was born from her sorority's platform: "the nontraditional entrepreneur."
"We're trying to help [students] figure out what they're going to do and how they're going to get there," she said. "We're trying to show different ways of becoming successful."
Panelists shared their educational backgrounds and the various ways they achieved success.
Keith, who entered the work force for two years before pursuing a graduate degree, shared his 2.97 undergraduate GPA with the room. He cited his loyalty, passion and work experience as his means to success.
"I found what I am passionate about and made that my career," he said.
Sanders began to pursue a higher degree immediately after graduating from Hampton University.
Selden began his 28-year career in the Air Force immediately after receiving his undergraduate degree. He simultaneously worked toward his graduate degree while in the Air Force and is currently pursuing his doctorate.
He stressed "how important it is to have an education in an area you are passionate about."
All three panelists spoke on the importance of managing free time efficiently and productively.
Selden said he hopes to see more events like "The Three Paths" organized by other student organizations.
"As an educator of 36 years, this is very refreshing," he said. "If I say any more I'm going to cry," he said, laughing.
Michael Harris (senior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management), who attended the event, said he found the panel's stories inspiring.
"The Q-and-A session was helpful," he said. "They answered a lot of people's questions. The panel -- their opinions were very helpful."
